Season Extension Program
High tunnels, also referred to as hoop houses, make growing vegetables possible long after the first frost or before the first thaw, extending the growing season in an environmentally safe manner.
Low Tunnels are used to deploy floating row cover over garden beds for season extension, frost protection, insect barriers, bird/wildlife netting, shade cloth, and more. Low tunnels hoops are portable and the row cover is interchangeable, making low tunnels a more modular season extension tool than high tunnels.
Residents of Jefferson County can receive technical and financial assistance for High Tunnels and Low Tunnels/Floating Row Cover through several different programs.
High Tunnel
Cost-Share
The District Is offering a cost-share reimbursement program for high tunnel construction to the residents of Jefferson County. Applications are submitted and ranked bi-annually on odd numbered years by the District. Priority will be given to those who are listed as living inside of a food desert and intending on production of produce or other foods. Other factors for application will be beginning farmer status, crop production, and community involvement.
Application deadline: April 15th, 2025
High Tunnel Maintenance
Cost-Share
The District Is offering a cost-share reimbursement program to the owners of high tunnels partially funded through NRCS EQIP or approved high tunnel kits privately funded. Applications are submitted and ranked bi-annually on even numbered years by the Conservation District. Priority will be given to those who have not received funding through this cost-share initiative.
Application deadline: April 15th, 2025
Low Tunnel/Floating Row Cover Cost-Share
The Jefferson County Conservation District is offering a cost-share reimbursement for low tunnel construction to the residents of Jefferson County. Applications are submitted and ranked annually by the Jefferson County Conservation District. Priority will be given to those who are listed as living inside of a *food desert and intending on production of produce or other foods within the low tunnel. Other factors for application will be experienced farmer status, crop production, and community involvement. (*as defined by the USDA)
Application deadline: April 15th, 2025